{{Note|Before starting make sure all batteries are removed from the RC can and that it is turned off. If your RC car has a battery that can't be removed, please proceed with extra caution.}}

The first step in hacking any RC car is of course to disassemble it partially, so that we have access to its internal electronics and the ability to adequately place the Arduino and other necessary components.

The first step in hacking any RC car is of course to disassemble it partially, so that we have access to its internal electronics and the ability to adequately place the Arduino and other necessary components.

Every RC car we will work with has a covering, or top, usually in one piece, that serves to make it look authentic and also serve as protection for the internal components. This is the first part we will remove.

Every RC car we will work with has a covering, or top, usually in one piece, that serves to make it look authentic and also serve as protection for the internal components. This is the first part we will remove.

Turn the RC car over and find the screws which hold the top onto the vehicle. Note that all the screws should not be removed, just the ones holding the top on. This may involve a little guesswork however it is often possible to simply look and see which ones are holding it and which ones are not. These screws tend to be towards the edges of the base. Remove them with the appropriate screwdriver.

Turn the RC car over and find the screws which hold the top onto the vehicle. Note that all the screws should not be removed, just the ones holding the top on. This may involve a little guesswork however it is often possible to simply look and see which ones are holding it and which ones are not. These screws tend to be towards the edges of the base. Remove them with the appropriate screwdriver.

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Once the top has been removed, you can see the chassis of the vehicle.

Once the top has been removed, you can see the chassis of the vehicle.

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[[image:RC_Interceptor_Chassis_Exposed.jpg|thumb|c|center|400px|The chassis of the Interceptor with top detached. It was held on by three screws.]]

[[image:RC_Interceptor_Chassis_Exposed.jpg|thumb|c|center|400px|The chassis of the Interceptor with top detached. It was held on by three screws.]]

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The next step is to expose the internal electronics. If a vehicle is smaller or cheaper this may be already exposed however usually you will have to remove a covering.

The next step is to expose the internal electronics. If a vehicle is smaller or cheaper this may be already exposed however usually you will have to remove a covering.

Revision as of 17:54, 5 July 2012

NOTE: Before starting make sure all batteries are removed from the RC can and that it is turned off. If your RC car has a battery that can't be removed, please proceed with extra caution.

The first step in hacking any RC car is of course to disassemble it partially, so that we have access to its internal electronics and the ability to adequately place the Arduino and other necessary components.

Every RC car we will work with has a covering, or top, usually in one piece, that serves to make it look authentic and also serve as protection for the internal components. This is the first part we will remove.

The Interceptor with covering attached.

Turn the RC car over and find the screws which hold the top onto the vehicle. Note that all the screws should not be removed, just the ones holding the top on. This may involve a little guesswork however it is often possible to simply look and see which ones are holding it and which ones are not. These screws tend to be towards the edges of the base. Remove them with the appropriate screwdriver.

Once the top has been removed, you can see the chassis of the vehicle.

The chassis of the Interceptor with top detached. It was held on by three screws.

The next step is to expose the internal electronics. If a vehicle is smaller or cheaper this may be already exposed however usually you will have to remove a covering.

The Interceptor's electronics exposed.

Now you are ready to begin attaching the Arduino and its necessary components.